About 3 years until I give GMAT & want to start early. Suggestions?

Question

Hello,
I have more than a couple of years until I make my application strong enough to apply for an MBA and was wondering how do I start my GMAT preparation as I've set very high goals for the test. Thought this would be the best place to ask for considering the ever positive reviews from tons of people.

bb · Answer

Usually all experts recommend not taking more than 6 months studying for the GMAT. Ideally 3-4 months because people tend to forget things and it requires lots of refresh and review. You definitely don’t want to spend years studying…. So I would take a diagnostic and figure out where you are… and figure out where you are and how much effort and progress you need to make.

Also, GMAT is good for 5 years so if you take it this year, you can apply all the way through 2026.

Posted from my mobile device

Also, GMAT is good for 5 years so if you take it this year, you can apply all the way through 2026.

Posted from my mobile device

LamboWalker · Answer

Right, it does make sense to start with the serious preparation using actual GMAT prep material only when you're about 6 months away. But wouldn't it be helpful to solve some verbal and quant questions that could help me develop my aptitude skills/problem solving skills before the official GMAT preparation begins?

ScottTargetTestPrep · Answer

Hi LamboWalker,

I think you have at least 2 years until you need to be concerned with your GMAT studying. So, for now, you can rest easy, and feel free to check back in here once you are ready to get moving with your GMAT studying.

bb · Answer

I would focus on your career for now or your grades or whatever else you’re working on.

And I would definitely not waste valuable official questions. The exact thing you want to do will be your downfall… you are unlikely to improve your score much but you will end up wasting valuable questions, creating an expectation of performance, and getting used to a relaxed approach.

Imagine Do you want to climb the Everest in three years. You’ll start training for the climb six months before that so in about 2 1/2 years. However you decide that even before you start the training, you will be taking walks in the park. So every day you’ll go on a walk in the park for the next 2 1/2 years because you think it will help you prepare to climb the Everest 😎 I mean taking walks in the park is definitely more useful than playing computer games or watching TV from a number of perspectives but at the same time, you cannot expect that it will do any good to your prep.

My only suggestion would be to perhaps read books and build up your reading skills as well as your ear for grammar and potentially a vocabulary if you’re not a native speaker. But I would not waste questions in the meanwhile.

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GmatKnightTutor · Answer

One thing that may be helpful (if you don't plan to take your exam this year) is to read stuff on the Economist that covers the same sort of topics. Going through Official Questions slowly and trying to figure out ways you might have better solved them later can improve your efficiency on an exam. There are 6 Official Mocks. Perhaps doing 2 over this year, but keeping 4 for when you're gearing up to give your exam within 4-5 months may be the way to go.

EMPOWERgmatRichC · Answer

Hi LamboWalker,

Many GMATers spend 3 months (or more) of consistent study time before they hit their 'peak' scores, so the type of pre-study that you're thinking about is probably not necessary. If you're interested in focusing on the GMAT now, then that would be a smart choice (since working to lock-in that type of high Score years in advance of when you will actually "need" it would give you the advantage of not having to focus on any of the other aspects of your applications).

If you do decide that want to formally start your studies now (and commit to that timeframe and routine), then it would be a good idea to take a FULL-LENGTH practice CAT Test; you can access 2 for free at www.mba.com (and they come with some additional practice materials). If you want to do a little studying first, so that you can familiarize yourself with the basic content and question types, then that's okay - but you shouldn't wait too long to take that initial CAT. That score will give us a good sense of your natural strengths and weaknesses and will help provide a basis for comparison as you continue to study. A FULL CAT takes about 3.5 hours to complete, so make sure that you've set aside enough time to take it in one sitting. Once you have that Score, you should report back here and we can come up with a study plan.

I'd like to know a bit more about your timeline and goals:
1) What is your goal score?
2) What Schools/Programs are you planning to apply to?
3) If you were to start your studies now, then how many hours do you think you can consistently study each week?

GMAT assassins aren't born, they're made,
Rich

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About 3 years until I give GMAT & want to start early. Suggestions?

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